Let’s say thanks by sending hugs.

This month, my favorite 3 letters are P,B and J. I am not thinking about peanut butter and jelly (although I love it), I am thinking of Pajamas and Books. KidsPark is participating in The Great Bedtime Story Pajama Drive. The Pajama Program is a nonprofit organization that provides pajamas to children who live in group homes, shelters, foster care and orphanages. Last year, 18,000 pairs of pajamas were donated to children in need and Scholastic Book Clubs matched every single one with a new book! This is the 10th anniversary of the drive and their goal is 25,000 pajamas. Scholastic will again match every pair with a book.

KidsPark’s goal is to contribute 500 pairs of pajamas. We picked this organization because we all treasure the times we spend snuggling with our kids in their PJ’s and reading books. What better time to give this gift than during the holiday season, beginning with Thanksgiving.

What is it about PJ’s that surpasses the coziness of even sweats? Is it the comfort of knowing you’ll be crawling into bed soon to savor great dreams? As adults, do they remind us of being taken care of? And, like fine wine and good jeans, how is it that PJ’s just get better as they get older?

For me, PJ’s are the epitome of comfort. They are a hug. It is a guilty pleasure to work at home and be in them. It is a luxury to sneak them on early in the evening... it’s like breaking a rule, but no one gets in trouble. I think that’s why wearing PJ’s to school is so popular... high school and college students do it regularly. Of course, the flannel pants are very fashionable!

I still remember certain pairs of PJ’s I had as a kid. It was a Friday night ritual to have sleepovers at my Grandmother’s house. My sister and I had the “good” PJ’s there, with matching robes that had to be dry cleaned. I remember my Mom telling my Grandmother the girls can’t have something that can’t be washed, but Grandma kept them for us to use at her house. Each Friday we would get into our “princess” PJ’s and robes and be idolized by a doting grandmother who read, sang, played and baked with us. Ahhh…. very sweet memories. Then, of course, there was the milestone of getting “grown-up” nightgowns that would start the dreams of evening gowns and proms.

I can’t think of my own daughter as a toddler without picturing the pink fuzzy foot PJ’s. She may have been toasty in them all night, but they warmed my heart. As a twenty-something, it was no surprise when she listed footed PJ’s on a wish-list; granted they were multi-color skulls. There are many adult sized footy PJ’s to choose from… they must be a great memory for everyone!

Growing up, how often did you hear, put on your jammies and let’s read a book. Do you say it now to your kids? Please make “PBJ” your favorite letters this month; help us create warm memories not only for our children, but for others in need. Bring KidsPark new pajamas for children newborn-12 years old or make a donation towards our puchase of pajamas.

Please send your comments or article suggestions to debbie@kidspark.com or post on Facebook/KidsPark.

Fall Fun

Preschool Thanksgiving

Friday, November 19
Let’s talk turkey! Make crafts, enjoy treats and celebrate the magic of fall. Everyone is invited!

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Sparkler Micro-grant

Apply for a KidsPark Sparkler grant to keep the Arts in your child’s classroom.

September 2010 Sparkler
Experience the Fort Worth Opera
Little Red’s Most Unusual Day
Arlington Classics Academy
Applicant ACA PTO, Arlington, TX
270 Students K-3 grade

Apply for your school.

We grant monthly awards to preschool thru 3rd grade classes in non-profit or public schools. Last year we sponsored an assembly with the LA Opera and a kindergarten theater workshop. Grant applications are due by the 15th of each month and awards are made the first of each month. Add some sparkle to your child’s education!